Wichita officials weigh options for opening pools while demand for home pools increases

Will public pools in Wichita open this year? It’s a possibility, but city officials are also weighing the benefits of not opening pools until next year. “There are still cities still struggling just for health reasons on whether or not they’re going to open,” said Robert Layton, Wichita city manager. Public pools in Wichita sit empty and could remain that way depending on the city’s decision. “The problem isn’t just the people in the pool,” said Layton. “How do you social distance also outside of the pool?”
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-05-27T08:54:26-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

McPherson Water Park proposes plan to city

Members of the McPherson High Swim Team and McPherson Water Park director Kyle Roberts proposed a plan to open the water park to the McPherson City Commission Tuesday morning. Roberts proposed an opening of the water park to occur on June 15, during Phase 3 of Gov. Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra Plan to reopen Kansas. Phase 3 of Gov. Kelly’s reopening plan is expected to start on June 8. Roberts said a poll was created on the water park’s Facebook page and has nearly 2,000 votes, with the majority voting yes to open the water park.
(Read more: McPherson Sentinel)

Ranson Financial2020-05-27T08:54:36-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

Newton Rec Commission eyes June 15 opening of municipal pool

The hopes of swimming in the municipal pool this summer are treading water — delayed, it seems, by each new announcement from Gov. Laura Kelly as she has signed executive orders moving the state through a phased reopening plan in attempts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, published in black and white on a revised reopening plan, there is a date for the pool to reopen. The plan given to the Newton Recreation Commission by Rec Commission staff lists June 15 as the day to get into the water. If the plan stands, the pool will be open for four hours a day, with likely two evening swims a week for families. It will not be available for group rentals, though local swim teams will be able to use the pool.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)

Ranson Financial2020-05-27T08:55:04-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

Wyandotte County to continue following Kansas Phase 2 reopening plan

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced that the Ad Astra Reopening plan has transitioned away from being a statewide requirement and into a statewide guidance document. Gov. Kelly further announced that county health officers remain empowered to issue local orders adopting the Ad Astra Reopening plan if they choose. The health order signed by the Unified Government’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Greiner, on May 20, adopting Phase 2 of the Ad Astra Reopening plan, remains in effect in Wyandotte County, according to a UG spokesman. The county will not need to issue another order on following the plan this week.
(Read more: Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!)

Ranson Financial2020-05-27T08:55:46-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

Keeping Lawrence outdoor pools and rec centers closed ‘first of many difficult decisions,’ leaders say

As businesses across the city begin to open their doors, the City of Lawrence recreation centers and outdoor pools will remain closed to public. Those facilities are allowed to open with restrictions under state health guidelines, but as city leaders keep a wary eye on the budget, the calculus of when to reopen is more complicated. The city has released a reopening plan for the Parks and Recreation Department, and the plan calls for the city’s outdoor pool and wading pools to remain closed all summer. Recreation centers will also remain closed to the general public until all health orders and restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic lift. Parks and rec officials say those decisions were based in part on direction from elected leaders.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T07:15:38-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for May 22, 2020

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T07:13:02-05:00May 26, 2020|News|

Smaller Lyon County communities share life during pandemic

The smaller Lyon County communities are also enduring the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Gazette spoke with the mayors and city clerks of these communities to glean insight into how the small city, rural life is continuing. 2020 marks Reading’s sesquicentennial, and its birthday party has been postponed until gatherings are safer. Mayor Todd Hensley said Reading has seen a lot of things in its 150 years, “but I don’t believe we’ve ever seen anything like this,” he said. The community is resilient, though that is apparent whether or not the world is enduring a pandemic. The local Miracle Cafe is offering curbside service, and the bank and elevator are still doing business. The local beauty shop and park are still closed, and “it’s kind of sad not to see the kids down there playing,” Hensley said. “We spent a lot of time and effort putting all of that stuff up, and now it’s closed off to them, but it will open back up, and kids will be able to go down and play again.” Otherwise, “Reading doesn’t have a lot to reopen,” he said.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T06:57:53-05:00May 25, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County correcting speed limit conflict on 159th Street East

Sedgwick County is correcting a problem with conflicting speed limits on a section of roadway that borders Butler County. Sedgwick County commissioner Jim Howell called attention to safety concerns with 159th Street East, between Harry and Pawnee. The west side of the roadway is under the jurisdiction of Sedgwick County, and Howell said no speed limit was posted there for southbound traffic. By default, that would mean that cars could travel up to 55 miles an hour under state statutes. On the east side of the road, controlled by Butler County, the speed limit is 40 miles an hour for northbound traffic. Howell there has been construction in the area along with an increase in traffic, and that creates a safety issue. County commissioners have approved a change to post a speed limit of 40 miles an hour for southbound traffic.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T06:58:15-05:00May 25, 2020|News|

Projects chosen for new Kansas highway program

Preliminary engineering work is getting started for 40 major highway projects across the state of Kansas. The projects are the first ones to move forward under the Eisenhower Transportation Legacy Program, also known as IKE, which was created in March. Major modernization and expansion projects will be selected every two years rather than once a decade under previous highway programs. The change allows the state to address the most pressing needs and adjust to changes in state revenue.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T06:59:06-05:00May 25, 2020|News|

Kansas Cosmosphere reopens

The Kansas Cosmosphere has reopened in time for Memorial Day weekend. The space and science center in Hutchinson has taken steps to help keep visitors and staff safe and prevent possible exposure to Covid-19. All staff will be wearing masks and visitors are encouraged to as well. Disposable masks will be available for visitors and temporary Plexiglas shields have been installed at all points of sale. There are markers on the floor at 6 feet intervals to allow visitors to maintain social distancing and hand sanitizing stations have been set up across the facility. Seating inside the Digital Dome Theater, Dr. Goddard’s Lab, and the Planetarium is limited and every other row will remain unoccupied. Visitors are also being encouraged to purchase all tickets online rather than in person. To see all the precautions the Cosmosphere is taking, click here. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-05-26T06:59:13-05:00May 25, 2020|News|